Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee celebrates its 26th year

Shoppers can support local businesses and non-profits

Map of vendor booths in the Ruidoso Convention Center for the Christmas Jubilee this weekend. (Courtesy)

The Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee, featuring almost 80 Lincoln County vendors, celebrates its 26th year Nov. 8, 9, 10 at the Ruidoso Convention Center.

Jill Duncan, a Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce greeter and the chair of the Christmas Jubilee Committee, said not only does the jubilee offer unique shopping opportunities, it also benefits Lincoln County business because only local vendors are allowed to have booths at the event.

Booth fees, depending on size, can run as little as $150 but typically they ran from $200 to $250, Duncan said. The proceeds go to paying for the event itself with the remainder going to local nonprofits and charities.

No Christmas Jubilee would be complete without a visit from Santa Clause, who will make appearances Saturday and Sunday at this year's event. (File photo)

"We distribute the money back to the community," Duncan said. "A big one is with the Lincoln County Food Bank. We have big donations and we also make some smaller ones."

Because vendor booths are rented only to Lincoln County merchants, the event also helps the local economy.

"The Christmas Jubilee was originally planned to help out businesses during a typically slower time of year," Duncan said. "We want the vendors to be able to make some money, which is why we only charge $1 admission."

Active military personnel get into the event for free, she said.

Vendor's check in at the registration table at a recent Christmas Jubilee. The event is celebrating its 26th year this year. (File photo)

Local vendors will be offering an assortment of gift and household items, such as paintings from local artists, handcrafted traditional Native American art and jewelry, unique chocolates and hard candies, sports items and jerseys, handmade ceramics, flowers and Christmas arrangements, and many others.

As always, there will be a food court so shoppers can grab a bite as they peruse the booths. Duncan said this year's food court will feature three new vendors as well as two others who have complemented the court in previous years.

Also new this year, weather permitting, is the Moose Caboose Express for children, which will be stationed in the parking lot of the Ruidoso Convention Center.

The food court at the Christmas Jubilee offers shoppers a variety of delectables to choose from as they explore vendor booths. (File photo)

The trackless train amusement ride is operated by Jim Riggs and his wife and, in keeping with the locals-only theme, is based in Ruidoso.

"It has four cars and an engine," Duncan said. "It's really cute."

No Christmas Jubilee would be complete without a visit from Santa Clause. Storytelling and visits with Santa are planned for Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Duncan said the Christmas Jubilee not only is significant for its economic impact and philanthropic efforts, many locals see it as a kick-off of the holiday season.

"It's really the start of the Festival of Lights," Duncan said.

A young visitor to last year's event leaves Santa's area with a look of awe on his face. (File photo)

The Festival of Lights runs from mid-November thru January with individual events throughout the Ruidoso area celebrating the winter season. It culminates with the Festival of Lights Parade, which will be held Dec. 7 this year.

Duncan, who has been a Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce Greeter for more than six years, said she enjoys being part of putting the annual Christmas Jubilee together.

"This is our one yearly fundraiser to raise money to give back to the community," Duncan said, adding that the group begins forming various committees and planning the event beginning in January.

"There is a lot of volunteer hours that we put in for this," Duncan said. "But this is an amazing group of women putting it together.

Santa and an elf or two are sure to be one hand at the Christmas Jubilee. (File photo)